Pregnancy
While pregnancy can be an exciting time, it can also be filled with feelings of worry or sadness. Whether your pregnancy was planned or it came as a complete surprise, you may experience a wide range of emotions. Our therapists work with pregnant women as well as mothers-to-be who are growing their family through adoption, fostering or surrogacy. Pregnancy brings about physical and emotional challenges that can be unexpected at times. Women who have a history of anxiety, depression, trauma or disordered eating sometimes find pregnancy particularly challenging. You may be weepy one minute and laughing the next. These shifts in mood leave some women wondering if the feelings they experience are “normal.”
Research estimates 15-20% of pregnant women experience moderate to severe symptoms of depression or anxiety. Some women worry they will be judged if they share how they feel with family or friends. Physical stressors including a high-risk pregnancy or bed rest for pre-term labor can contribute to worry and experiencing a loss of control. If you are building your family through adoption or surrogacy you may be experiencing feelings of anxiety and loss of control that your pregnant friends don’t quite understand. The emotional rollercoaster some women and couples experience can be difficult to cope with at times. Other women report an uncomplicated pregnancy but wonder what life will look like after their baby arrives. Whether you are a first-time mom or an experience one adding a baby to your family will be an adjustment. Our therapists work with mothers-to-be who want to focus on creating a birth and postpartum plan. Discussing your wants, needs and expectations in advance can help you feel empowered and ease your mind. It is vital to your wellbeing to create a support system to help you during birth and the postpartum period. Regardless of your situation, your mental health is a top priority! Working with a therapist can provide a safe, non-judgmental space to process all of the feelings you are experiencing. Our therapists have specialized training in diagnosing and treating mood disorders during pregnancy. If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or uncertain you are not to blame and help is available!